Tripp Road bridge replacement moves forward

HILLSDALE — The Hillsdale County Road Commission continued preparation for the repair of the Tripp Road bridge, discussing the project during Thursday’s meeting.

Stanley Clingerman, Hillsdale County Road Commission engineer-manager, said there has been questions about the possibility of endangered mussels in the streambed.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has issued an Endangered Species Permit authorizing the capture, temporary possession and relocation of state listed mussels if they are found before construction. Before the project can begin the road commission is waiting for the federal government to authorize acquisition of easements.

Clingerman said he is hoping to have easements and final plans and proposals done be the end of March for the June 7 bid letting process.

If all of the permits are acquired the project could begin in July and be finished up by the end of fall.

During the meeting the board approved a resolution supporting four applications for the 2016 local bridge program. Those bridges included Litchfield Road over Sand Creek, Montgomery Road over west branch St. Joseph of Maumee River, Hartley Road over east branch St. Joseph of Maumee River and Lake Pleasant Road over Beebe Creek.

Clingerman said the first two bridges on the list are the worst two bridges and need attention as soon as possible. He is also looking at acquiring information, design proposals to replace the superstructure of the two bridges. Design proposals from consulting engineering firms are due by April 19.

The proposals are a back-up plan to rehabilitate those bridges using STP funds. The county hasn’t been successful in getting the bridges replaced with local bridge funds in the past.

“Those two bridges are a hindrance to traffic we need to get them fixed,” Clingerman said.

The board also opened bids for three new one-ton dump trucks to replace three 1997-1998 trucks. The bid for the trucks were awarded to Stillwell Ford and the bid for equipping the truck with a dump bed went to Knapheide Truck Equipment out of Flint. The low bid for the truck was $20,915 and the low bid for equipping the truck $6,480 a piece.

Clingerman said both bids are under what was budgeted for replacement.

Looking ahead to spring and summer, the road commission will be looking to hire laborers and people to help mow along the county roads. The board approved wages of $9 for laborers and $9.50 for mowers Labors will help with seal coating on the county roads.